Henry of Grosmont

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Henry of Grosmont (c.1300–61) was a cousin of Edward III and the king's right-hand man. His father was earl of Lancaster and Leicester. He was born in Grosmont, created earl of Derby in 1337, and succeeded his father as earl of Lancaster in 1345. In 1349 he was created earl of Lincoln and in 1351 duke of Lancaster. He was also created earl of Moray in Scotland in 1359. When the order of the Garter was instituted, he was next to the prince of Wales. Henry fought constantly against the French and the Scots and was with the king at the naval victory of Sluys in 1340 and at the surrender of Calais in 1347. He was also much employed on diplomatic missions. His life was spent on campaigns, his reputation for chivalry widely recognized, and he was never tempted into treason or insurrection. His palace at the Savoy was sumptuous. He died at Leicester of the plague and was buried there in the presence of the king. His younger daughter and ultimate heir married John of Gaunt, for whom the dukedom of Lancaster was revived.

J. A. Cannon